Vienna, 27 January 2009 – In response to a proposal by Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger, the Austrian federal government today nominated the umbrella organisation of all SOS Children’s Villages for the Nobel Peace Prize 2009. “The Norwegian Nobel Committee invited us to submit proposals,” reported the Foreign Minister. “For many decades the work done by SOS Kinderdorf has been impressive and touching."

"In the difficult years following World War II, the founder of the children’s village concept, Hermann Gmeiner of Vorarlberg, set standards. Orphans and children from difficult backgrounds were given a new chance in a stable, secure environment at first in Austria, and later throughout the world,” continued Spindelegger. The Foreign Minister described the organisation’s endeavour as “a very special Austrian export commodity, namely humanity.” At the same time Spindelegger expressed the hope that the Nobel Prize nomination would be widely supported, with SOS Kinderdorf receiving worldwide recognition.